True Food Kitchen - Chicago

4.4 (2697)

$30 and under

American

1 W Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60654

About this restaurant

Healthy
Great for brunch
Neighborhood gem

Located in the heart of River North, True Food Kitchen serves Chicago diners with a seasonal, chef-driven menu. Surrounded by shops, offices, and nearby attractions, the restaurant is a popular destination for weekday lunches, weekend brunch, and group dinners. Signature favorites include the Ancient Grains Bowl, Grass-Fed Burger, and Margherita Pizza, alongside a variety of wholesome bowls, salads, and wood-fired pizzas. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly options are clearly labeled. Street parking is available, and walk-ins are always welcome. Fresh seasonal produce and responsibly sourced proteins are at the heart of every dish. Reserve your table today!

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Phone number
22046981
Website
https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/locations/chicago/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
J.R. Luna
Private party facilities
Whether you're hosting a celebration or corporate event, we welcome you to explore True Food Kitchen’s private dining and catering options, perfect for any occasion.

Location
1 W Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Cross street
State & Erie
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
2 blocks north of the "Grand" Red Line stop on State street
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

The Happiest of Hours
1 - 15 people
Multiple dates available
Mon - Fri - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join us from 3-6pm, Monday-Friday for $3 off handcrafted cocktails, $2 off select bites, $3 off pizzas, and $5 off beer and wine.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

ouu.whatscooking
Fall at @livetruefood “True Foods Kitchen” means cozy flavors and seasonal delights. From savory Roasted Brussels Sprouts and delicate Edamame Dumplings to the refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad and customizable plates with hearty favorites like chicken, carrots, and creamy mac & cheese. And the grand finale? A slice of Chai Caramel Cake that perfectly captures autumn in every bite! Dive into the flavors of the season and treat yourself to some wholesome comfort! * Menu Items: ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS roasted mushroom, pickled fresnos, ginger soy glaze, lime EDAMAME DUMPLINGS white truffle oil, dashi, thai basil, Chef Matt’s Magical Dust CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD grilled chicken, bok choy, cabbage, avocado, sesame seeds, watermelon radish, snap peas, cilantro, pickled ginger, toasted quinoa, roasted almonds, carrot ginger dressing GF CREATE YOUR OWN PLATE Protein: Antibiotic Free Chicken Sides: Mac & Cheese + Honey Roasted Carrots Sauce: Miso Sesame Glaze CHAI CARAMEL CAKE Cosmic Bliss vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce VEG * #TrueFoodKitchen #FallMenu #SeasonalEats #RealFoodTrueMoments #RealFood #realfoodforreallife #comfortfoods #healthyeating #chinesechickensalad #edamamedumplings

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Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at True Food Kitchen - Chicago.

4.4

(2697)

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

True Food Kitchen in Chicago was loved for its "healthy and delicious" offerings and "excellent" service. Patrons appreciated the "outstanding quality" and the variety of seasonal dishes. While some found the ambiance "pleasant and airy," others noted occasional service hiccups. Standout items included the flourless chocolate cake and kale aid.

2,693 Reviews

J
Joe Gold
Chicago34 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 4, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
outstanding quality, tastes great and most importantly it is healthy food!! We love True Food Kitchens.
True Food Kitchen - ChicagoResponded on October 7, 2026
Thank you for your review, Joe! We're happy to hear you love the outstanding quality and healthy food at True Food Kitchen. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Is this helpful?
M
Maria
Chicago111 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 26, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We went early so wasn't crowded. Service (Masha)was excellent and food was exceptional. They have limited seasonal items that looked incredible. One of my guests tried the peri chicken and it was very good. I opted for the asian chicken salad and it was very good and large enough to share. My favorite was the flourless chocolate cake - exceptional!!!
True Food Kitchen - ChicagoResponded on September 28, 2026
Thank you for your review, Maria! We're happy to hear Masha provided excellent service and that you enjoyed the exceptional food, especially the flourless chocolate cake. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Is this helpful?
C
Cheryl Gold
Chicago26 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 25, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved it! Great service!! Food was healthy and delicious!
True Food Kitchen - ChicagoResponded on October 5, 2026
Thank you for your review, Cheryl! We're happy to hear you loved the great service and delicious, healthy food. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Is this helpful?
W
Wes
Seattle2 reviews
2.0
Dined on September 20, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Signature spaghetti squash casserole was tasteless and boring, as was the kale salad. The drinks were fine, I guess. The manager was very nice, and adjusted our bill some, but it was all pretty meh. There are way better places to eat in Chicago.
Is this helpful?
K
Karin Gold
Chicago266 reviews
2.0
Dined on September 14, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I've been a big fan of this spot for a long time and have done reviews saying it is great. However, this was a bad experience and as a result, I prob won't be back for a long time. I always order the glass noodles with blackened salmon (at least 15 times, as I also pick up carry out); it has been one of my all time fave dishes. This time, it was SO SPICY I could barely eat it. I'm not sure if the blackening spice changed to a more spicy brand or what? I was late for my next appt and service was a bit slow so I couldn't possibly wait for them to make it again so I ate about 1/2 of it since I was hungry but I had to take stomach meds as soon as I got home because I knew it was going to really bother me if I didn't. Anyway, not a great experience and I'd def recommend not getting blackened salmon unless you like super spicy food. also one other thing that I've noted on multiple visits. The restaurant is clean for the most part, but if you do go to the restroom, you walk by the kitchen prep area, which is not clean enough IMO. there are sometimes corn husk pieces on the floor sometimes other stuff but it def doesn't seem clean to me. Even though most customers prob never walk by this area or see it, they should be concerned about the few people who do and clean it up.
Is this helpful?
M
Marissa
Los Angeles1 review
2.0
Dined on September 7, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
I was a huge fan of True Food during my time living in California, but had a horrible experience here in Chicago. I hope it was just a one day thing and not the norm. I rarely ever leave a bad review but I was so disappointed in my visit. My pizza was half raw and my friends and I saw our waiter maybe twice within an hour and a half. Would not come here again.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff Gold
Chicago1 review
3.0
Dined on August 31, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
We've been here here before and enjoyed it greatly. Last night was not their night. Service was eager but very slow and the food was not as good as usual and wasn't hot. Disappointing.
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A
Ambrosia Gold
Chicago93 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 30, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Love this restaurant - delicious food and healthy options. The kale aid (green juice) is out of this world. Service is excellent too. The manager is super attentive and politically astute, making conversations super interesting.
True Food Kitchen - ChicagoResponded on September 1, 2026
Thank you for your review, Ambrosia! We're happy to hear you enjoyed the delicious food, kale aid, and excellent service. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Is this helpful?
S
Sara Gold
Unspecified2 reviews
3.0
Dined on August 27, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
We’re a big fan of the restaurant but our experience that night was just so-so. The service was ok but not great, and some of the food was a bit disappointing.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathleen Gold
Chicago23 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 15, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Jackie was the best server we ever had at True Food Even though it was busier than usual she managed to Greet us quickly Take our orders quickly Check on us after our food came Offer dessert quickly Brought our check quickly It’s not that we were in a huge hurry but we loved how attentive Jackie was
True Food Kitchen - ChicagoResponded on August 18, 2026
Thank you for your review, Kathleen! We're happy to hear you appreciated Jackie's attentive service even during a busy time. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Phone number
22046981
Website
https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/locations/chicago/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
J.R. Luna
Private party facilities
Whether you're hosting a celebration or corporate event, we welcome you to explore True Food Kitchen’s private dining and catering options, perfect for any occasion.

Location
1 W Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Cross street
State & Erie
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
2 blocks north of the "Grand" Red Line stop on State street
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

True Food Kitchen - Chicago feels bright, airy and modern, a large, clean dining room with an open, earthy, industrial-inspired design that many guests find welcoming.

True Food Kitchen - Chicago can be extremely busy and overbooked on peak occasions like Valentine’s Day, while some visits, including Saturday afternoons and even a Saturday 7pm reported once, have been notably quiet.

Casual dress, comfortable, everyday clothing is appropriate and nothing formal is expected.

Yes, guests describe being seated outside at True Food Kitchen - Chicago and enjoying meals and service on the outdoor tables.

Weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am–3:00 pm) is a guest favorite at True Food Kitchen - Chicago, diners rave about the pancakes and the brunch menu.

True Food Kitchen - Chicago welcomes private gatherings, private parties are allowed, and staff have accommodated larger groups (guests report being seated a party of 12 for a birthday).

Portions at True Food Kitchen - Chicago are often described as filling, guests call the food "surprisingly SO filling, " note the super trio lunch was "ample" (two people could have split it), and say salads are large enough for lunch with leftovers.

Yes, True Food Kitchen - Chicago is well suited to date night: guests describe the space as warm, stylish, and say the ambience is "perfect for date nights."

True Food Kitchen, Chicago is at its best for weekend brunch: brunch runs Saturday–Sunday 10:00 am–3:00 pm, and guests praise relaxed Saturday afternoons and standout Sunday mid-day visits.

Yes, families are welcome: the Chicago location offers kids menus and guests report attentive, accommodating staff and children enjoying the food.

True Food Kitchen in River North offers a main dining hall, a quieter back room, outdoor seating, and it can accommodate private parties.

How FAQ content is generated

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

True Food Kitchen - Chicago

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Offers

The Happiest of Hours

Videos

Menu

Reviews

Review summary

Additional information

FAQs

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

When is this restaurant busiest and quietest?

What is the dress code for True Food Kitchen - Chicago?

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?

What is the best day to go to True Food Kitchen - Chicago?

Does this restaurant have private dining?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Is this a good pick for date night?

When is the best time to go to True Food Kitchen - Chicago?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What seating arrangements/rooms does this restaurant have?

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